Blanchardstown: Brave 13 year old boy, Ricky Osagie, dies after trying to save drowning girl

A teenage boy who bravely tried to save another girl who was drowning in Dublin before he got into difficulty himself has died in hospital.

Talented footballer Ricky Osagie (13) was one of three youngsters rushed to hospital around 6.15pm Friday after the incident at a man-made lake in the Waterville Hall residential complex in Blanchardstown.

It is understood a young girl got into difficulty in the lake and Ricky and another girl came to her assistance but they also got into difficulty.

Passers-by managed to pull the two girls from the water quickly but took longer to locate Ricky.  

Eyewitnesses said Ricky had been under the water for “at least 10 minutes” before he was found.

The children were rushed to hospital while a witness said three or four adults who came to the assistance of the children received medical attention wrapped in insulation foil.

A local man said teenagers would regularly go into the pond in warm weather but it was not too deep.

"It's very, very upsetting," he said.                  

Ricky was in intensive care last night and but sadly lost his fight for life and passed away around 4am.  

Pals paid tribute to brave Ricky on Facebook today.

Sara O’Hora wrote: “Can't believe it’s true. You were such a fighter and did your best to save that girl. Everyone's going to remember you as a hero only 13 years old and you put your life at risk for some girl you don't know that takes a lot of courage you will never be forgotten rest in peace. Still can’t believe it! Heart goes out to his family such a brave young lad. Love and miss you Ricky Osagie

Alisha Morgan said: “You died a hero and will be known as a hero R.I.P remember the 20th June.

Another pal said Ricky’s mother is “crying and screaming so badly”.

Ricky was a talented young footballer who played with Corduff Football Club and had been chosen for the FAI’s Emerging Talent Programme. He had also attracted the interests of football scouts from the UK and showed signs he could have made it as a professional footballer.

Corduff FC released a statement saying they were saddened at the death of “the great” Ricky Osagie.

“We all know each other in the club, however everyone knew Ricky on and off the pitch - be it his fancy hair styles, his shimmy dance after scoring goals or just his all-round cheerful, confident personality. He was a seriously gifted footballer.

“Our condolences to Ricky’s family, relatives, friends and to his team mates and manager and coach here in Corduff FC.”

Rest in peace.

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